winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

[schalmat]

Hi folks,I'm new here and have a couple questions,
I just purchased a 73 steury v-518 with a 250 6 cyl. runs fantastic and want it to stay that way.when i put it up for the winter ,where are the water drains on the motor usually located,I saw the obvious but are there any ones i cant see? also on the outdrive,is there supposed to be a plug at the bottom of the outdrive to put gear oil into to pump it out the top vent hole,which i did find? thanks for any info afforded and any additional info.
Matt

 

[Don S]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

CLICK HERE and read items 5,6, and 7. I think they will answer your question.

 

[ziggy]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

welcome to iboats. ya came to the right place to get info and help...

,where are the water drains on the motor usually located,

there's only one on the engine. port side very back of the engine, down low above the oil pan. above that, on the manifold, at the very back bottom of the manifold there's a drain plug. ya may also have a drain plug on the riser on the down/out side, port side of the riser. when draining. use a probe of some kind to be sure that rust scale isn't prohibiting the water from draining.
get yourself an mercruiser service manual that covers your rig (s/m #1). it has pics of drain points + everything else you need to know to keep your rig humming right along..

,is there supposed to be a plug at the bottom of the outdrive to put gear oil into to pump it out the top vent hole,which i did find?

yep, the vent hole in the upper + ft, port side of the bullet of the lower is the drain plug. drain from the drain plug till empty. fill from the drain plug hole by pumping gear lub into the drain hole till it comes out the vent hole. with the drive level. when it comes out the vent hole, your filled up. use mercruiser hp gear lub. it's the proper stuff to use and not have think about using the right stuff.

congrats on your new rig. ya got one of the best engines ever put in an i/o. least that's what some folks say... i'd be inclined to agree..

agree w/ DonS on them links. ya do what's in the winterization/summization thread, you'll be off to a real good start at keeping yer engine a happy camper..

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Yea I have one and agree the engine is a darn fine engine in a boat.
Like mentioned make sure those drains are clear and flowing there is rust all over in these older crafts and you may think its empty buts its just clogged.
Dont be afraid to remove the whole valve if necessary. Compressed air can be a help in addition to a piece of wire.

I also use antifreeze in mine just for a bit more security. The manifold is an easy $500 if it cracks, to pour a little antifreeze in it it $2 and 30 seconds.

A new to you rig ? Consider taking the drive off and investigating what is going on with some of the very critical parts of your drive system.
The bellows
The gimbal bearing
The water pump
Alignment
Universal joints

 

[Wills03]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Here you go

 

[schalmat]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Thanks a bunch folks! yes the boat is new to me, The thing is butter smooth on the water,,no vibrations,noises or anything,only issue is someone really whacked the prop as its missing a good chunk,thankfully its aluminum.I'm just going to replace it.I did find the lower drain hole,I must be going blind LOL. 1more question,,The boat does not have a speedometer in it ,generally how fast are these boats? I'm guessing about 40-43.does that sound about right at 4200. thanks again for the help
Matt

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

I hate threads that mention Winterize. I know, I know we are in September.

 

[Chaparral220]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Antifreeze back through the system is crucial.

 

[bearlaker]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Curious. I too have a Mercruiser engine, drain the water every year. Never heard of putting anti-freeze back in (sounds smart). What's the best way to do that (without having it drain back out the hole)?

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Antifreeze back through the system is crucial.

Nope,... No it Ain't....
Air don't freeze, badly winterized motors with antifreeze Do freeze,+ Crack blocks...

 

[Chaparral220]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

Ok, perhaps CRUCIAL, is a bit strong. However, I highly recommend it. I take the hoses at the top of the engine loose and pour back through until it runs back out of the lower unit. I fully drain water first. Put drain plugs back in and then fill up with anti freeze. Some think it keeps fluids in contact with all those internal gaskets and rubber parts keeping them from drying out over the winter. I just think it is a good, cheap way to make sure you have full protection over the winter.

 

[ziggy]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

if it wasn't for the anti corroison feature of anti freeze, i'd not bother with it. my engine is old though. rusty on the inside. anti freeze has corrosion inhibitors in it. that's the only reason i use anti freeze. if it weren't for that i'd use air... air just don't freeze thats all there is to it.

The boat does not have a speedometer in it ,generally how fast are these boats? I'm guessing about 40-43.does that sound about right at 4200.

it seems many older boats don't have speedos. mine don't and i really don't have need for it. i do however need a tach, which it does have. 4200rpms is just right for wot. spec is 3900-4300. on my boat, max speed is just like ya say. 42mph + or - 1 mph. depending on the day. cold, hot, humid, etc.. hard to say what your boat speed is. get a gps and find out the facts. mine does 41-43mph @ 4300, depending on the day. real old style hull....

 

[Wills03]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

From the original 1975 Merc operators manual note #16

 

[nola mike]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

I hate threads that mention Winterize. I know, I know we are in September.

still in the 90's down here, water temp 75'. only time to fall-erize right now

 

[dozerII]

Re: winterization on inline 6cyl mercruiser

It is coming sooner than you think!! Two nights ago it was -1.5c (31f) up here in the great white north. Not winterized yet as we will still have a month of good weather I Hope.
Glen